Let me give you some information to cover some of the questions that patients frequently ask. This information is from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Association, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. It is from the form given to obstetricians to give to their patients.
If you get vaccinated during your pregnancy, your unborn starts to get some protection during this period. This also gives the newborn a degree of protection in the first few months of life when their
vaccinations have not been begun.
Safety, of course, is the main concern of all mothers. Flu vaccines have been given safely to millions of pregnant women for more than 50 years and are endorsed by the above medical societies.
The question of mercury in some of the vaccines is always a concern. Thimerosal, a type of mercury, is a type of preservative used in trace amounts in some vaccines and has not been shown to be harmful to a pregnant woman or her unborn child. Also, it does not cause autism. Again, this is from the above mentioned medical societies. Remember, if you are still concerned about being given preservatives during your pregnancy, there are single-dose flu vaccines that are mercury-free, so speak to your medical professional.
Lastly, you must begin the discussion about the flu vaccine with your caregiver now. Ask all your questions, become informed, and let us all be protected… and you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine!
-Dr. P
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